Photo: Alamy
Former New York Republican Rep. Michael Grimm was paralyzed during a recent horse-riding accident, according to Newsmax, where he served as a host.
Grimm, 54, suffered extensive injuries that left him paralyzed from the neck down following the September incident.
“I hate to even say it. Mike is paralyzed from the chest down,” said Vincent Ignizio, a former Republican councilman and current deputy executive director of the New York City Board of Elections, the New York Post reported.
“He’s currently immobilized and is currently being treated to try to give him the function that he can obtain. A lot of prayers are needed,” he added.
He had served as a host for the network’s “Wake Up Weekend” with co-host Sarah Williamson and worked as a contributor for other Newsmax programs.
Grimm’s friends and supporters have launched a GoFundMe page to help pay his significant medical bills.
“Our friend, veteran Marine, FBI Agent, and US Congressman Michael Grimm was paralyzed following a devastating accident when thrown from a horse in September 2024,” the page says.
“[T]hrough the grace of God, Mr. Grimm has miraculously thread[ed] the needle to survive,” the page continues, adding “Yet, his ongoing care and the treatment to walk again will cost millions of dollars.”
“For a man who has dedicated his life to helping others, we now humbly ask that you give generously to help him,” it continued.
Grimm is being treated at the same rehabilitation center in New Jersey where the late actor Christopher Reeve was treated after a similar accident.
“Michael has been a colleague, a friend, and a great American,” Newsmax CEO Chris Ruddy said. “We are all praying for him and the results are already showing.”
Grimm represented Staten Island and parts of Brooklyn during his time in the U.S. House of Representatives.
